ORDINANCE finding and determining public convenience and necessity for the acquisition of real property interests in connection with the public improvement project known as the Corner Clips Intersection and Safety Improvements Project; authorizing the acquisition of fee simple or easement interest to three parcels of land required for the project and situated in the James Wells Survey, Abstract No. 830 and R.J. Channel Survey, Abstract No. 1615, in Harris County, Texas, said parcels of land being located at the northeast and southwest corners of South Gessner Road and Beechnut Street, and the southwest corner of West Airport Boulevard and Riceville School Road, in Houston, Harris County, Texas, by gift, dedication, purchase and the use of eminent domain and further authorizing payment of the costs of such purchases and/or eminent domain proceedings and associated costs for relocation assistance, appraisal fees, title policies/services, recording fees, court costs, and expert witness fees in connection with the acquisition of fee simple or easement interest to three parcels of land required for the project - DISTRICTS J - LASTER and K - GREEN

SUBJECT: Recommendation that an ordinance for the CORNER CLIPS INTERSECTION AND SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT #8 be passed approving and authorizing the acquisition of parcels by dedication, purchase, or condemnation. 

WBS  WBS N-310662-0047-2

RECOMMENDATION:  (Summary)

An ordinance for the CORNER CLIPS INTERSECTION AND SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT #8 be passed approving and authorizing the acquisition of parcels by dedication, purchase, or condemnation.

SPECIFIC EXPLANATION:

The Department of Public Works and Engineering is requesting that an ordinance for the CORNER CLIPS INTERSECTION AND SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT #8 be passed approving and authorizing the acquisition of parcels by dedication, purchase, or condemnation. 

This project is a part of the City’s ongoing program to upgrade, rehabilitate, and improve intersection efficiency throughout the City.  It will provide for less traffic congestion, decreased concentration of vehicles at intersections, and will also reduce the possibility of collisions and delays. 

This action authorizes payment for costs of land purchases/condemnations, relocation assistance expenses, appraisal fees, title policies/services, recording fees and other acquisition costs in connection with negotiations to settle purchases; finds a public necessity for the project; and approves and authorizes the condemnation of the land and improvements thereon.  If negotiations to acquire the property cannot be concluded as a dedication or purchase or for any reason for which acquisition by condemnation is warranted, this action authorizes the City Attorney to file or cause Eminent Domain proceedings to be filed and acquire land, rights-of-way and/or easements for said purposes and authorizes payment for the Award of Special Commissioners and court costs associated with condemnation proceedings.  Parcels with a consideration that exceeds the spending authority threshold set by State law will be submitted to City Council as they are finalized.  This will expedite the process of acquiring land, rights-of-way and/or easements in support of the CORNER CLIPS INTERSECTION AND SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT #8. 

Nancy P. Collins               

Senior Assistant Director – Real Estate

Phone: (832) 395-3130

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Dale A. Rudick, P.E., Director

Department of Public Works and Engineering